Special Edition Mazda Miata MX-5 and Mazda2

Apparently it's easy being green after all, at least judging from the first official images of the new "Black Edition" Mazda MX-5 Miata and Mazda2 being offered to car buyers in the U.K. We're not certain why the Japanese automaker opted for this fluorescent green paintjob, especially on two cars intended to "bring a darker edge" to the Mazda lineup. Inspiration for the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black came from the 275-bhp MX-5 GT, presently tearing up tracks in the 2011 Britcar Production GTN Championship.

The Mazda MX-5 Sport Black includes a Brilliant Black retractable hardtop, gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels, black leather seating and piano black steering wheel and dash trim. There are three choices of exterior colors: Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White pearlescent, and Velocity Red mica. And yes, you read that correctly, a black paintjob is not available. Unlike the bantamweight MX-5 GT racing car, the mechanicals of the Sport Black remain the same. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder feeds power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. Only 300 will be offered to car buyers in the U.K.

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If you're too late to snag the MX-5, or need additional seating, Mazda U.K. is offering 618 examples of the Mazda2 Black five-door. Available in the same colors as the MX-5 Sport Black, the Mazda2 adds matte-black 16-inch alloys, fog lights, rear bumper sports trim and, perhaps in an homage to a 1978 Ford Thunderbird, a black vinyl roof. Is anyone else having flashbacks to opera windows and crushed velour upholstery?